Diavel

The intoxicating design, with innovative LED headlight, and refined rider comfort of the new Diavel may imply “cruiser,” but the brute force of its 162 hp Testastretta engine and its razor sharp handling prove otherwise.

Design Diavel

The stance of the Diavel is that of readiness, dominance, and confidence bordering on superiority. Lateral radiators add muscle to its broad “shoulders,” which then taper down across the engine and into the belly-fairing with its oil cooler, giving shape to the athlete.

A massive 240 section rear tyre is the perfect example of how Diavel designers used a no-compromise attitude when applying their wish list of features. The sheer width of rubber communicates so much power and style that the R&D team vowed to find, and succeeded in finding, a way to make it handle – even if they knew the image would send a seismic shock through the industry.

The Diavel is a true Ducati, born from a passion for motorcycling and designed to deliver authentic Ducati performance in every respect.

Diavel concept

The Diavel project was born when Ducati designers applied their wish-list of a bike’s “basic instincts” to a blank canvas. With a “what if?” approach to creating a dream bike, they sketched inspiring forms which became a low, long, sleek and aggressive motorcycle that was born to dominate the boulevard.

“The challenge of building a muscular silhouette over a pure-bred competition motor had to be met with determination and a delicate touch, and the result is a frontal area that looks like a power athlete on the starting blocks,” explains the team at Ducati Design responsible for the project. “With the front wheel kept close to the Diavel’s body and using the short tail of a sport bike, we were able to blend this muscular design with a chassis that matched.”

Testrastretta 11°

The Diavel’s heart is the Ducati Testastretta 11° Dual Spark (DS) – developed directly from the incredibly powerful, world-beating race engines of Ducati Corse. Ducati’s Testastretta 11° DS harnesses the immense power of the Superbike engine and makes it smoother and more linear, combining high performance with an enjoyable and perfectly manageable ride.To create an engine with this blend of brute power and supreme usability, Ducati carefully developed its cam timing with a particular focus on the valve overlap angle. Defined as the period of crankshaft rotation (in degrees) during which both intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time, this overlap angle is set at 11° on the Diavel’s engine – much less than the 41° used by Ducati’s Superbike engines. As a result the fresh inlet charge is less compromised by exiting exhaust gases, resulting in smoother combustion, improved fuel economy, and lower exhaust emissions.

Along these same lines, the Testastretta 11° DS employs several other technological advances. Targeted injectors direct their charge to the intake valves, which provides better vaporization of the air/fuel mixture. This compressed intake charge is ignited by twin spark plugs in each chamber for rapid and even combustion. And after exiting the combustion chamber, a secondary air system burns off any residual fuel molecules, allowing a richer mixture to be used without increasing emissions. As a combined result of these technologies the Testastretta 11° DS is the perfect base for the Diavel – full of character, and producing tremendous power that give unmatched acceleration, along with smooth and controllable delivery for cruising the boulevard at any speed.

Twin lateral radiators

To keep the frontal lines of the Diavel clean, the technical solution of a highly efficient lateral radiator is placed on each side of the bike. These well-ducted units, located beneath the fuel tank, use aerodynamics to help draw cooling air flow through them and are assisted by high-flow electric fans when required. Their shape integrates seamlessly with the overall design, combining form and function to enhance the muscular presence of the bike.

Exhaust system

The massive 58mm (2.28in) section exhaust headers lead the 2-1-2 system through power-enhancing equal length pipes that enable the Diavel’s efficient power delivery. The engine management system dedicates a lambda probe to each header, providing precise fueling via a large airbox, while the new slash-cut vertically stacked exhaust silencers carry catalytic converters to provide Euro 3 conformity and feature an electronically controlled mid-section valve to optimise exhaust pressures throughout the rev-range.

Thanks to dual spark plugs, high-compression pistons, and revised injection spray targeting, the engine’s torque curve is strong and smooth at low rpm, and remains so through a wide rev-range. The engine output is managed by Ducati’s Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system to ensure effortless ridability, with plenty of power on tap also for high-rpm riding.

Ride-by-Wire

The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the Diavel’s twistgrip and engine, which configures an ideal power response depending on the riding mode selected.

The twistgrip does not have a mechanical cable connected directly to the throttle body butterflies, but instead delivers an electrical signal to a control unit, which in turn opens the butterfly electronically.

The RbW system uses three different mappings to regulate the power delivery:

162hp with a sports-type delivery

162hp with a progressive delivery suitable for touring

100hp with progressive delivery for city use

Slipper clutch

The transmission features an oil bath clutch with “slipper” function and super-light feel at the lever. Its design uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the engine, enabling the use of lower clutch spring rates. This results in a much lighter lever feel at the handlebar, ideal in stop-and-go traffic or during long journeys.

When the drive force is reversed (over-run), the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like “slipper” action, which reduces the destabilizing effect of the rear end under aggressive downshifting and also provides a much smoother feeling when closing the throttle or downshifting under normal riding conditions.

Ergonomics

The redesigned, more comfortable seat offers more room and has a low height of 770 mm, which allows for extended hours of riding pleasure and makes the Diavel accessible to a wide range of riders. A relaxed handlebar position sits naturally in the rider’s reach, ensuring full control and comfort with the unmatched coolness of cruiser style.

The forks are equipped with slash-cut triple-clamps – the bottom yoke in die-cast aluminium and the upper in forged aluminium – with a rubber-mounted tapered alloy handlebar clamp. With a 28° steering rake, 130 mm trail and 24 mm offset, this set-up provides a sure-footed yet agile front end for incredible handling.

Fuel tank and air intakes

The Diavel’s 17l (4.5 gal US) fuel tank represents an integral part of the bike’s overall styling. Its wide, long lines sweep down from the headlamp assembly into the seat and rear sub-frame to create a seamless profile. While the focal point of the tank is the high resolution display panel, the steel tank skin and well-sculpted knee panels add a solid feel to the Diavel and a high tech composite look to the Diavel Carbon.

On each side of the front of the tank are massive air intakes formed in aluminium to feed the engine’s large airbox.

Braking system

The Diavel front brakes use Brembo’s incredibly powerful Monobloc callipers, which deliver outstanding performance actuated by integral alloy master cylinders with uniquely shaped reservoirs sporting milled tops. The 4-piston, twin radially-mounted front callipers grip 320mm discs, while a single 265mm disc on the rear is gripped by a two piston calliper, also by Brembo.

Single-sided swingarm

The long, die-cast aluminium single-sided swingarm provides great suspension action and feeling at the rear-end, and gives a wheelbase of 1590mm (62.6in) along with a stance that provides lean angles of up to 41°.

Diavel frame assembly

The signature Ducati Trellis frame uses large diameter, thin wall tubing with two lateral die-cast aluminium sections that flow into the rear subframe. This achieves massive torsional rigidity while remaining lightweight and compact. The two sections form a rear-end structure by attaching onto either side of a complex techno-polymer component.

Sachs rear suspension

The Diavel has a Sachs rear suspension unit slung low under the chassis in a horizontal position, operated by a progressive pull-rod linkage from the swingarm. Adjustable in compression and rebound damping, the unit uses a handy control for easy spring preload adjustment.

Riding Modes

The Diavel incorporates the very latest in innovative Ducati technologies, such as electronic Riding Modes. Selectable from the left-hand switchgear – even while riding – the choice of three pre-set modes are programmed to instantly change the character of the Diavel. The three modes are enabled by combining class-leading technologies such as Ride-by-Wire (RbW) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC). As riding on city streets can require more attention to the surroundings than to throttle inputs, the Urban Riding Mode instantly changes the Diavel to provide a manageable and confident ride in the city. Power output is reduced to 100hp and DTC is set at level 5, perfectly adapting the bike to variable pavement conditions and the chaos of stop-and-go traffic. The Touring Riding Mode allows the engine to deliver its full 162hp, but with a smooth, user-friendly power delivery curve. DTC system intervention is set at level 4, which provides an enjoyable and relaxing ride ideal for long distances while ensuring maximum comfort for both the rider and passenger. The Sport Riding Mode produces pure adrenaline, with the engine’s full 162hp delivered with precise and sporty throttle response for maximum acceleration. For the undiluted Diavel experience, Sport mode also lowers the DTC system intervention to level 3, for riders who like to explore the bike’s incredible performance a little closer to the limit of traction.

Lighting

At the forefront of innovation, the Diavel uses full LED technology for bright, efficient, and stylish lighting. In the rear, the Diavel trademark of two vertical LED strips follow the precise line of the under-seat panelling, keeping the lines of the bike sleek and minimal by serving as both the brake lamps and directional indicators. Echoing the same theme, front directional indicators are vertical LED strips on the leading edge of the lateral radiator covers.

The full LED headlamp perfectly lights the Diavel’s way, and with two vertical LED positioning lights flanking the main illuminating beam, it gives unmistakable character to the bike while also creating a family feeling with the Monster 1200.

Hands-free ignition

The Diavel’s ignition is actuated by an electronic key in the rider’s pocket, which communicates with the motorcycle when within a distance of approximately 2 metres (6.5ft). The motorcycle recognises the dedicated key code and automatically enables the bike’s systems. Pressing the key-on switch then activates all systems to “on” and the engine is ready to be started.

The electronic key, which internally consists of a radio circuit, externally doubles as a mechanical flip-key, required to open the seat and fuel tank cap. When parking the motorcycle, an electronic lock can be actuated on the steering simply by applying full steering-lock and pressing the ignition-off button a second time.

Split-level instrumentation

The upper LCD display is mounted on the handlebar riser and provides key information such as speed and rpm, in addition to showing warning lights, time and temperature.

The lower, full colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) unit is integrated into the fuel tank and provides an incredibly clear display of the currently selected Riding Mode, gear, and DTC level as well as total and trip mileage. Used extensively on mobile phones and computers, TFT technology is superior to LCD and displays easy-to-read high resolution graphics. The Diavel’s TFT display goes one step further by sensing the ambient light conditions to automatically select a black or white background colour. When the Diavel is stationary, its lower display also doubles as a user-friendly control panel to personalise and save DTC and RbW settings within each Riding Mode – creating a custom electronics configuration to suit any rider’s preference.

Ducati Traction Control (DTC)

The racing-derived Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is a highly intelligent system which acts as a filter between the rider’s right hand and the rear tyre. Within milliseconds, DTC is able to detect and control rear wheelspin, considerably increasing the bike’s active safety and performance.

The system offers eight levels of sensitivity, each programmed with an amount of rear wheelspin tolerance. These levels are in line with progressive levels of intervention, and are classified from one to eight. Level one is programmed to offer the least amount of interaction for sport-oriented riders in good riding conditions, while level eight uses the most amount of interaction for complete confidence by all riders, even in wet or slippery conditions.

DTC levels are factory pre-set in each of the three Riding Modes, but can be individually customised and saved to suit the rider by accessing a user-friendly set-up menu. A “default”option is available to easily return all settings to factory pre-sets.

Footpegs and grab-rail

Diavel’s passenger accomodations include slender footpegs which ingeniously fold down from the rear sub-frame, as well as an innovative T-bar shaped grab-rail assembly which slides out from the rear of the seat.

Deployed from a mechanism under the seat, the grab-rail provides a comfortable and confidence-inspiring handle for the passenger, while its shape perfectly blends into the lines of the tailpiece when retracted.

Both of these passenger-friendly features are crafted in forged aluminium and shot-peened for strength and a uniform finish before being black anodised to become almost invisible when folded away.

Footpegs and grab-rail

Diavel’s passenger accomodations include slender footpegs which ingeniously fold down from the rear sub-frame, as well as an innovative T-bar shaped grab-rail assembly which slides out from the rear of the seat.

Deployed from a mechanism under the seat, the grab-rail provides a comfortable and confidence-inspiring handle for the passenger, while its shape perfectly blends into the lines of the tailpiece when retracted.

Both of these passenger-friendly features are crafted in forged aluminium and shot-peened for strength and a uniform finish before being black anodised to become almost invisible when folded away.

Pirelli tyres

Ducati’s technical partner, Pirelli, worked with the Diavel’s designers and engineers to develop the incredible Diablo Rosso II tyres. While the front uses a conventional 120/70×17 section with a tread pattern designed for enhanced wet weather performance, the 240/45×17 rear represents the latest innovation in tyre design with a sport-oriented profileapplied to custom-style width.

The massive rear employs bi-compound technology to enable high grip levels at full lean angle while also providing high mileage, and uses Enhanced Patch Technology (EPT) to maximise the contact patch at all angles. The tread pattern and compounds deliver great performance in all conditions, especially the wet.

Innovative number plate mount

Employing the double strip of multi-functional LEDs for the rear lighting of the Diavel required an innovative solution for the mounting of the number plate. The unique design uses mounts on the rear hub of the single-sided swingarm to extend an elegant and Ducati signature Trellis framework around the 240 section rear tyre, enabling a central mounting of the plate. The framework carries a hidden power feed to dedicated LED illumination for the number plate, eliminating any reliance on the main rear lights and creating a clean feeling around the rear of the seat. This design solution is the first of its kind and an example of the incredible attention to detail on the Diavel.

Controls

The Diavel handlebar shape and position leave the rider comfortable and in full command. Wide, tapered section aluminium bars with sleek new mounting clamps provide a clean and minimalist set-up, while stylish, aluminium mirrors deliver a generous view to the rear.

Switchgear is Ducati’s latest, minimalist design, with slim-line bodies housing easy-to-use switches and buttons and a unique weapons-like “trigger catch” that slides down to cover the starter button when the kill-switch is engaged. The turn indicator cancelling button doubles as a scroll-and-select for fast and easy Riding Mode changes, while switches above and below serve to navigate the high-resolution display control panel.

14-spoke wheels

The Diavel rolls on stunning, custom 14-spoke wheels with machine-finished detailing. The front rim is 3.5×17, while the rear, which is “flow-formed” for enhanced structure and lightness, boasts a massive 8×17 rim.

Ducati News

Diavel, Diavel Carbon and 899 Panigale models are joining the Monster 1200 models in our Summer promotion. Purchase new bikes from this selection and you will receive a £750 Ducati Performance Voucher absolutely free. After the recent announcement of a £750 performance voucher offer on the complete Monster 1200 range, Ducati UK has decided to… Read more

Borgo Panigale (Bologna), 30 April 2015 – Just a few days after Troy Bayliss officially announced he’ll be taking part in the AMA Pro Flat Track 2015 championship, the first picture of the Ducati on which the three-times World Superbike Champion will be returning to the track has been released. The bike is built around… Read more

Preparations are complete for the 2015 edition of the Ducati Dream Tour which incorporates a series of three-day travel experiences put together specifically to enable riders to enjoy the emotions of riding a Ducati while exploring the most exciting and beautiful roads of the Tuscan-Emilian hills and mountains. From 23 March it is possible… Read more

Sign up to receive the latest product news, reviews, product info and much more..